5 Awesome PC Accessories to Buy in 2022
Have a PC fanatic in your life but don’t know what they need? We bet these five accessories will make a great gift for even the hardest geek to shop for.
How-To Geek's product recommendations come from the same team of experts that have helped people fix their gadgets over one billion times. We only recommend the best products based on our research and expertise. We never accept payment to endorse or review a product. Read More »
A Surge Protector
A surge protector is a must-have for any PC, be it a laptop or a desktop. A surge protector guards your PC against a sudden jolt of electricity that could fry precious components. This is more common than you might realize, and the reality is that most PCs have little to protect them from these potential surges.
Surge protectors aren’t particularly expensive and are well worth the small investment they require. You don’t need something crazy. Just a wall wart like Addtam’s surge protector to plug into a regular power strip is enough.
Many power strips also come with surge protection built-in, so you may already have what you need. To be on the safe side, just make sure that your power strip has the protection of at least 2,000 joules.
A Wall Wart You'll Love Addtam Surge Protector Addtam's surge protector plugs right into the wall, and the design allows you to easily plug in all the PC components you need to.
A Strip Option Bototek Power Strip If you prefer a power strip, Superdanny's offering is simple and built with large sized adapters in mind.
The NZXT Puck or a Headphone Stand
Chances are that you spend a good chunk of your PC time with headphones on. The trouble is, there’s never a great place for headphones to sit when they’re not in use. If you put them on the desk, they’re likely to fall off—and the same goes for when they rest on top of the PC tower.
One popular way to counter this is NZXT’s Puck. At first glance, it seems ridiculous to spend $20 on, but it’s money surprisingly well spent. In addition to providing a convenient spot to hang up your headphones, it can also gather up and hold any excess cables easily.
The Puck also doesn’t take up any extra space, but instead, makes use of a spot on your PC tower that typically has nothing on it, getting those cans out of the way when they’re not needed.
Another option is a more traditional headphone stand. It’s certainly cheaper, but it takes up some extra desk space.
A Home For Your Headset NZXT Puck Headset Mount The NZXT Puck is a convenient headset mount that attaches to your PC case with magnets. It has a place to store the cable, too.
If You Have the Desk Space New Bee Headphone Stand If you want to save a little money and have the desk space, a traditional headphone stand also works.
An Uninterruptible Power Supply
Even in the age of auto-saving desktop programs, you can still lose your work due to a power outage on a desktop PC. That’s where an uninterruptible power supply (or UPS) comes in. These units contain large batteries and are equipped with multiple standard power outlets for your desktop PC, monitor, printer, and other equipment.
A UPS is an often-overlooked piece of equipment that every desktop PC user needs. It’s one of those things that you won’t appreciate until that fateful storm hits or the demands of a hot summer day overload the local grid.
There are all kinds of UPS devices out there, but popular choices are brands like APC and CyberPower. Many users also prefer to get the more expensive types that provide pure sinewave output.
Not that these are not meant to act like power generators that keep you working for hours when the lights go out. The idea is for the battery to keep your PC running long enough to save your work and safely shut down in the event of a power outage.
Note that UPS manufacturers recommend against plugging a UPS unit into a surge protector. A UPS generally has built-in surge protection, so additional protection is not needed.
Backup Power for Your PC APC UPS Battery Backup When your power goes down, this power supply will keep your desktop PC running.
An Anker USB Hub
Depending on how your PC is configured, a USB hub can be a very helpful addition. These are small, rectangular devices loaded with USB ports that connect to a single port on the PC, thereby turning one USB connection into many.
If you have a laptop that’s limited in its number of USB ports, or your desktop tower only has one or two on the front, a USB hub can be very useful. While desktops typically have a ton of USB ports on the back, they are a pain to access and use. A USB hub prevents you from having to fiddle with the ports on the rear of the machine except when it’s absolutely necessary.
You can also find USB hubs at quite a wide price range. Anker products tend to be good choices, and the brand provides a wide variety of options at affordable prices.
More USB Ports Anker 7-Port USB 3.0 Data Hub This hub gives you seven easily accessed USB ports for plugging in peripherals and charging your gadgets.
An Extended (and RGB!) Mouse Mat
Put this one in the luxury column, but there’s nothing like having an extended mouse mat (pad) under your keyboard and mouse. This gives you far more room to negotiate with your mouse and offers a nicer feel than that of the cold, hard desk underneath your keyboard. There’s even enough space for a coaster if you’d like to put your coffee mug on top of it, too.
Mouse mats come at various price points. If you want something with lighting around the edges, Razer has you covered. If RGB isn’t your thing, you can pick up Corsair’s extended mouse pad for just $30.
A Mousepad With LEDs Razer Goliathus Extended Mousepad Yes, you can get an extended mousepad with built-in LED lighting. No, you don't have to. But you can!
A Mousepad Without the Light Show Corsair MM300 If you're not interested in Razer's RGB, Corsair also has a great, big mouse mat you can use to spruce up your desk space.
With the exception of the surge protector, none of these PC accessories are must-haves. They do, however, make your day-to-day experience better—whether that’s with extra power that prevents you from losing your work, or little luxuries that make life easier.
An HD Webcam, 21-Inch Monitor and 26 Other Computer Accessories Under $100
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Smartphones and tablets have earned their place in the world of tech, but most of us still spend a big chunk of our day in front of a computer. Whether you’re an office worker, freelancer, or student, nothing will quite replace the power of a Mac, or PC.
Pairing your computer with the right accessories can help you get the most out of your machine. That could mean enabling you be more productive, adding, upgrading, or replacing a crucial component, or using your computer for more than just work.
We’ve collected the best accessories for your computer that cost less than $100. All of these accessories will work with a Mac or PC, and most will work with a Chromebook. We’ve also made sure that a majority of our picks can work with both a laptop or desktop, so you’re not limited to one type of machine.
1. Monoprice DT-3
Monoprice’s DT-3s are a great pair of powered speakers that’ll upgrade the sound of your desktop or laptop. Because they’re powered, the speakers have an amplifier built inside, so you can plug them directly into your computer’s headphone jack. If you want wireless connectivity, you can get a version of these speakers with Bluetooth.
We like Monoprice’s speakers in part because they’re only eight inches tall, which means they won’t take up too much room on your desk. They have two drivers: a 3.5-inch woofer and .75-inch tweeter, so they should sound balanced right out of the box. We’re also fans of the speakers’ headphone jack, which is way more accessible than the one on a desktop machine.
If you listen to a lot of music on your computer, Monoprice’s DT-3s are an essential accessory.
Buy Monoprice DT-3 $84.99
2. Logitech M557 Bluetooth Mouse
Editor’s picks
If you need a new mouse, and don’t want to clutter your desk with a bunch of cables, Logitech;s M557 is a great choice. It connects to your computer over Bluetooth, so you don’t need to plug in a cable or wireless adapter.
I’ve used this mouse for several years, and appreciate its relatively small size, and lack of latency (lag). The M557’s standout feature is the ability to customize its buttons to perform custom actions. Pressing the Windows button, for example can bring up Windows Search on PCs or Spotlight on Macs. Once you get used to these little time savers, you won’t want to go back to a keyboard command.
Buy Logitech M557 Bluetooth Mouse $39.10
3. Plugable USB Hub
Plugable’s USB Hub allows you to connect more accessories to your computer at the same time. It has three USB-A ports, for common accessories like external hard drives, and an Ethernet port, which allows you to plug your computer directly into a Wi-Fi router or your cable modem. Plugable’s USB Hub comes with two cables, so you can connect it to a USB-A or USB-C port.
Buy Plugable USB Hub $29.95
Note: If you regularly connect your computer to a TV, or want a hub that can read SD-Cards, we recommend Belkin’s USB-C hub, which is available for $99.99 on Amazon.
4. Satechi Compact Backlit Bluetooth Keyboard
If you’d like a Bluetooth keyboard to pair with your Logitech M557, we recommend this one from Satechi. It also connects to your computer over Bluetooth, and has a rechargeable battery inside, so you don’t have to worry about keeping a pair of AA or AAAs around. You can pair it with up to three devices (computers, tablets, or smartphones), and switch between them by pressing the Bluetooth 1, Bluetooth 2, and Bluetooth 3 buttons in the upper-right-hand corner of the keyboard. Bluetooth keyboards have become common, but Satechi’s is one of the few that have back lighting, which makes each key easier to see (and press) when you’re typing at night.
Buy Satechi Compact Backlit Bluetooth… $79.99
5. AudioQuest DragonFly Black
If you prefer to listen to music over headphones, AudioQuest’s DragonFly Black is a must-have tech accessory. It’s a DAC (digital analog converter), with a USB-A jack on one end, and a headphone jack on the other. The purpose of a DAC is processing the digital audio file you’re listening to (streamed or from your local library), more accurately than the DAC in your computer.
The result is music that sounds clearer, and easier on your ears; I’ve used a couple of AudioQuest’s DragonFly DACs, and noticed a difference after switching between them and my computer’s headphone jack while listening to the same songs. This was especially clear when listening to the bass parts of classic rock songs, which were more distinct without being overpowering. Consider the DragonFly DAC to be an upgrade for your entire digital music library.
Related
Buy AudioQuest DragonFly Black $129.95
6. JETech Laptop Sleeve Compatible for 13.3-Inch Notebook
If you carry around a laptop, you should keep it in a sleeve to prevent scratches or dents. Sleeves are more protective than hard cases because they surround your entire computer, and can block dust or water from reaching your machine while it’s in a backpack.
This sleeve from JETech is designed to work with 13-inch laptops (PCs or Macs). Its outer layer is made out of a waterproof fabric, while its insider is made out of cushioned foam to prevent damage if the computer is dropped. Our favorite feature is the sleeve’s front pocket, which is large enough to hold accessories like chargers and cables.
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Buy JETech Laptop Sleeve Compatible for… $12.99
7. HP Pavilion 22cwa
An external display allows you to spread your work over a larger area, which makes it easier to multitask. This 21.5-inch monitor from HP has a resolution of 1080P (1920 X 1080), so text, images, and videos will look pretty sharp.
You can connect your computer to it with an HDMI or VGA cable, which means you probably won’t need an adapter. The 22cwa can be tilted 5-degrees forward or 25-degrees backward, so you can get the right angle. The display isn’t height adjustable, but you can use a monitor stand to lift it up if necessary.
Buy HP Pavilion 22cwa $134.99
8. Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive
Cloud storage services are getting faster and more reliable, but it’s still smart to keep a full, local backup of your computer on an external hard drive. This one from Seagate has 2TB (terabytes) of storage, which should be enough to hold all of your files.
It’s bus powered, which means it gets electricity from your computer’s USB port instead of having to be plugged into an outlet. The drive supports USB 3.0, which allows you to transfer data to it at up to 128MB/s (Megabytes per second), and comes with a cable that needs to be plugged into a USB-A port.
Buy Seagate Portable 2TB External Hard Drive $61.99
9. Amazon eero mesh Wi-Fi router
Whether you’re trying to video conference with colleagues, or contribute to a collaborative assignment, you’ll need a strong internet connection. Eero’s Mesh Wi-Fi router can offer you speeds of up to 550Mbps, and is rated to cover an area up to 1,500 sq. ft (square feet). You can set up and manage the router via an app (iOS and Android), which is easy to navigate.
While you can use this router on its own and get great results, you can add additional eero routers to extend your network if you move to a larger space.
Buy Amazon eero mesh Wi-Fi router $69.00
10. Canon Pixma TS3320
If you’re a student, or setting up a home office, you’re going to need a printer. It’s important to have a hard copy of important documents, and it’s way more convenient to hit “print” than have to run to a copy store.
Canon’s Pixma TS3320 is a wireless printer that can print at a rate of roughly eight pages per minute. You can plug the printer into your computer, print from any device over Wi-Fi, or even connect it to an Amazon Echo to start a print job totally hands-free. One thing to keep in mind is that the TS3320 isn’t an all-in-one printer, so you won’t be able to use it to scan or copy documents.
Buy Canon Pixma TS3320 $115.00
11. Logitech C920x
Video calling is more important than ever, and Logitech’s C920x can help you look and sound more professional.
The 1080P webcam has sensors that automatically adjust based on the lighting conditions in your room, so you always look your best. Its stereo microphones will pick up your voice clearly, so you don’t have to speak loudly to be heard. We’ve been using Logitech’s webcams for a long time, and they’re constantly top performers.
The C920x is compatible with PCs, Macs, and Chromebooks, and will work with any video chatting service out of the box with no additional software required. If you want to make tweaks to the webcam’s settings, like manually adjusting your exposure, you can download an app from Logitech.
Most laptops have crummy webcams because their screen lids are incredibly thin, leaving little room for a decent camera. Logitech’s C920x is a definitive solution.
Buy Logitech C920x $59.39
12. Razer Seiren X USB Streaming Microphone
Razer’s Seiren X is a USB microphone that can substantially boost the audio quality of your video conferencing calls. The microphone sits on a swiveling stand, which you can bend to move into the proper position.
It has a mute switch on the front if you have to cough, and a volume knob so you don’t have to reach for your computer’s audio settings to make adjustments. The Seiren X also has its own headphone jack, so you can plug your cans directly into the mic.
Buy Razer Seiren X USB Streaming Microphone $49.99
13. SimpleHouseware Metal Desk Monitor Stand Riser
SimpleHouseware’s monitor stand can help prevent neck strain by raising your external display closer to eye level. The stand will lift your monitor 5.8-inches off your desk, but cannot be raised or lowered. This monitor riser also has a front drawer, plus two side pockets with a divider in the middle. These storage pockets are perfect for storing all of your stationary, or cables that would be cluttering up your desk.
Buy SimpleHouseware Metal Desk Monitor… $22.87
14. Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones WHCH710N
Sony’s WHC710N are an excellent pair of over-ear headphones that support active noise cancellation. They can connect to your computer wirelessly over Bluetooth, or plug them into your DAC with a 3.5mm audio cable. Sony says you can get up to 35 hours of music playback per charge. The headphones support fast charging over USB-C, so you can get an hour of playtime by charging them for 10 minutes.
Buy Sony Noise Cancelling Headphones… $98.00
15. Elimoons Webcam Cover Slide
It’s unlikely that your computer’s webcam will get hacked, but Elimoon’s Webcam Cover Shades will offer an extra layer of protection. The shades are only .027-inches thick, and are adhesive on one side, so you can place one directly over your computer’s camera. The shade is small enough that you can move it easily with your finger tip.
Buy Elimoons Webcam Cover Slide $4.99
16. Belkin 2-in-1 MagSafe Charger
The iPhone 12 line of phones supports a new charging technology called MagSafe, which is twice as fast as a standard Qi wireless charger, and holds your iPhone in place using magnets.
Belkin’s 2-in-1 MagSafe charger allows you to charge your iPhone using MagSafe at a rate of 15W, and features a wireless charging pad on the base, which can be used for AirPods or other true wireless earbuds. We’ve used a handful of MagSafe chargers, and this is by far your best option under $100.
The charger has worked flawlessly in our tests, quickly charging two devices simultaniously. Its minimalist look helps it fit in on any desk, which is a nice perk. If you like wireless charging, but have been frustrated at how slow it is compared to plugging your phone into a power adapter, Belkin’s MagSafe 2-in-1 charger is a great solution.
Buy Belkin MagSafe Wireless Charger $84.99
17. Anker 60W USB C Charger
If you’re still using the power adapter that came with your phone, Anker’s 60W USB-C Charger is a much-needed upgrade.
It has two ports, a USB-A port, which is good for phones and tablets, and a USB-C PD (Power Delivery) port, which outputs enough power to charge a laptop. The option to charge your laptop and smartphone from the same power adapter means you can lighten your load while traveling, and won’t have to clog up all of your outlets at home.
We’ve used several Anker chargers over the past few years, and they’ve always worked perfectly. What’s especially impressive is that Anker’s gear holds up really well over time, so you don’t have to worry about this power adapter flaking out after a few months of heavy use.
Buy Anker 60W USB C Charger $37.99
18. Eufy Security 2K Indoor Cam Pan
Eufy’s Indoor Cam Pan is the only tech accessory in this guide than offer some peace of mind when you’re out of the house.
The small camera can record video in 2K (better than 1080P) video, and it’s the best indoor security cam we’ve tested yet. It’s recorded high quality video whether it’s light or dark, and it’s microphone picks up sound — from footsteps to voices — very clearly. The camera reliably sends us a notification each time its motion sensor is tripped, and we can immediately check what’s happening through Eufy’s app or Apple’s HomeKit app.
The Cam Pan’s key feature is that the camera sits on a rotating base, which can be programmed to follow movement. If a thief breaks in and goes snooping around your room, they’ll never be out of frame. This is a huge advantage if you need to turn evidence over to the police. If you want to beef up your home security system, Eufy’s Indoor Cam Pan is the perfect place to start.
Buy Eufy Indoor Cam Pan $52
19. Fire HD 8 Tablet
Amazon’s Fire HD 8 is, by far, the best tablet you’ll be able to get for less than $100.
The bag-friendly tablet is a lot smaller and lighter than the iPad, and while it’s screen isn’t quite as nice you’ll still be able to make out a lot of detail when looking at pictures and watching videos. Graphic novels and Kindle books are also sharp on the tablet’s screen.
The Fire HD 8’s biggest strength is how connected it is to Amazon’s services. From the moment you turn it on you’ll have quick access to your Kindle, Amazon Music, and Amazon Video libraries. This tablet is still great for surfing the web, or streaming content from services like Netflix and Spotify, but it’s definitely an Amazon-first device.
If you need a mid-sized screen for reading in bed, or catching up with TV shows on your commute, the Fire HD 8 is a great gadget.
Buy Fire HD 8 Tablet $89.99
20. Moft Z
Moft’s Z is a portable laptop stand that can be folded into five configurations, including a standing desk.
When folded, the Moft Z is slim enough to fit in a backpack alongside a laptop, which we were able to test firsthand. By following Moft’s instructions, we were able to transform this accessory to position our laptop at an assortment of angles. Our favorite was the standing desk arrangement you see in the photo above.
If you work from hotels rooms, or travel often, the Moft Z will quickly become one of your most-used accessories. It can help you work more comfortably from wherever you are.
Buy Moft Z $69.99
21. iOttie Easy One Touch 5
iOttie’s Easy One Touch 5 is one of the few tech accessories we rely on when we’re in the car.
The phone mount can be attached to any place on your car’s dashboard with a suction cup, which has stayed put on bumpy roads. The mount’s grips held onto an iPhone 12 Pro Max without flinching, so we’re confident it’ll work well with smaller phones, too.
We like this mount because you can install it in exactly the right place for your sightline. Ideally, you’ll be able to quickly glance at your map app of choice without ever taking your eyes off the road. Gadgets rarely make driving safer, but if you’ve been glancing down at your phone on your knee while driving, using iOttie’s car mount will be a big improvement.
Buy iOttie Easy One Touch 5 $17.49
22. Nomad Universal Cable
If you’ve traveled with devices made by different companies, you know how annoying it is to double check that you’ve got the right charging cables.
Nomad’s Universal Cable has multiple tips, which lets you charge devices with a MicroUSB port, Lightning port, or USB-C port. The cable is wrapped in ultra-durable kevlar, and comes with a strap that lets you keep it wrapped up for easy storage. We’ve tested this cable, and it’s held up well over multiple trips. Switching between the different tips is simple, and each one worked flawlessly.
This charging cable can help keep all of your devices topped up while you’re on the go, and you’ll never have to worry about forgetting the right charging cord again.
Buy Nomad Universal Cable $39.95
23. Oakywood Vertical Laptop Stand
If you don’t have a lot of desk space, Oakywood’s Vertical Laptop Stand can help you make the most of it.
The wooden stand holds your laptop upright, so you can keep it to the side of your monitor, or even behind it. We’ve used this stand with a 13-inch MacBook Pro for several months, and it’s never tipped over. Pads on the inside of the stand prevent it from scratching, and Oakywood includes extras to accomodate laptops with different thicknesses.
We’re recommending Oakywood’s stand because of how well it works, but we’re also a fan of its aesthetic. In a world full of plastic accessories, the steel and wood in this stand are a welcome change. It’s a great example of the balance between syle and substance.
Buy Oakywood Vertical Laptop Stand $59
24. RAVPower 20000mAh Battery Pack
RAVPower’s 20000mAh power bank will help ensure that your devices never run out of battery when you’re out of the house.
The battery pack holds enough juice to fully recharge an iPhone 12 Pro over four times, and a 13-inch MacBook Pro about once. It’s got a USB-A port and USB-C port, which you can use to charge laptops and tablets at their fastest possible speed. We’ve tested RAVPower’s batteries in the past, and they’ve always been reliable.
If you’re planning to be out of the house all day, or need a battery pack for a cross continental flight, this is the one we recommend.
25. Roav SmartCharge F2
Roav’s SmartCharge F2 is the best car charger we’ve tested so far.
It has two USB ports, so you can charge your phone and another device simultaniously, which your passangers will appreciate. Car chargers have become common recently, but the F2 stand out because it’s also a wireless music streaming accessory.
You can connect your phone to the F2 over Bluetooth, and it’ll send its audio to an FM radio frequency. This gives you the ability to upgrade an older car’s entertainment system without breaking out the toolkit. Our Bluetooth connection with the F2 has always been rock solid, and the streaming audio quality is pretty good.
Whether you need a way to keep your phone charged while using it as a GPS, or want to stream tunes to its stereo without a cable, Roav’s SmartCharge F2 has you covered.
Buy Roav SmartCharge F2
26. Vankyo Leisure 470 Mini
If you’re setting up a home theater on a budget, or want to host backyard movie nights this summer, Vankyo’s Leisure 470 Mini is an essential accessory.
The portable projector can create a screen up to 250-inches wide, and has a native resolution of 720P (HD), so your videos will look really sharp. This projector doesn’t have any smart apps built into it, but you can plug a game console or media streamer into its HDMI port if you want to watch videos or listen to music. You can use the projector’s built-in speaker in a pinch, but we recommend plugging a more powerful set (like the Monoprice DTS-3s) into its headphone jack.
This projector’s best feature is its support for Wi-Fi, which allows you to stream some content from your phone to the 470 Mini without a cable. This won’t work with videos from major services because of copyright protections, but can be useful if you’re watching home movies. Regardless of your situation, the Vankyo Leisure 470 Mini makes it easy to watch your favorite TV shows and movies on the big screen from the comfort of your home.
Note: Amazon is currently offering a $30 off coupon, which brings the projector’s price down to $99.99.
27. Twelve South AirFly Pro
AirPods are extremely convenient, but they can’t be used on airplanes, with exercise equipment, or anywhere else that requires you to plug your headphones into a headphone jack. Twelve South’s AirFly Pro solves that problem.
The adapter sends a Bluetooth signal from a device — think in-flight entertainment system — to your AirPods, or any Beats headphones with Apple’s H1 chip. This is especially helpful at home, because it turns your AirPods into a set of wireless TV headphones, so you can play games or watch TV on your big screen without disturbing the other people in your home.
Twelve South offers a handful of AirFly models, but we like this pro model because it can connect to two pairs of AirPods simultaneously. This is a simple, single-use tech accessory that can easily solve a very annoying traveling problem.
Buy Twelve South AirFly Pro $54.99
28. Soundcore A2 Earbuds
Soundcore’s A2s have a lot of features you wouldn’t expect from a true wireless pair of true wireless earbuds.
The company says they get up to seven hours of listening time per charge — that’s two more than Apple’s AirPods — plus an additional 28 thanks to their battery case. The A2’s standout feature is support for noise cancelling, which is possible because of six microphones (three on each bud) filter outside noises before they reach your ears. Soundcore says it uses a custom algorythm to cancel noise as effectively as possible.
One of the reasons we recommend Soundcore’s audio gear is the company’s app (iOS and Android), which allows you to tweak the EQ on your speakers or headphones. While the A2s should sound great out of the box, you can customize them to your personal taste in a couple of taps. Finally, the Soundcore A2 earbuds are IPX5 water resistant, which means they won’t get damaged if you sweat.
The Soundcore A2s long lasting battery, durability, and support for noise cancellation make them a great alternative to Apple’s AirPods Pro.
Buy Soundcore A2 Earbuds $39.99
13 PC Gaming Accessories That Could Help Improve Your Game Play
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PC gaming is a really fun way to de-stress after a long day, connect with friends online, and appreciate a fast-paced interactive art form. But to get the most out of the experience, you’ll need to pick up a few of the best gaming accessories. Yes, you can play games with the mouse and keyboard you use for work, but they’re not necessarily designed with ergonomics in mind.
Bluetooth gaming accessories, meantime, are great if you want a clean desk, but they introduce latency (lag), which is imperceptible when you’re surfing the web, but make the difference between (virtual) life and death.
Plus, gaming accessories allow you to customize some features, especially lighting, to add some ambiance and fun to the experience.
The world of tech accessories is large, but we’ve done the heavy lifting for you by finding 13 must-have accessories you’ll need to create a great PC gaming setup. From keyboards and mice to the right WiFi routers to use, we’ve got you covered.
1. A Gaming Headset
If you’re going to play online multiplayer games with friends, a good gaming headset is an essential accessory.
HyperX’s Cloud Revolver is an over-ear headset with ultra plus earcups for comfort and a steel band for durability. It supports true stereo sound or simulated 7.1 surround sound, which can help you hear enemies coming from all directions, and its detachable microphone allows you to communicate with your teammates clearly in real time.
The Cloud Revolver is a wired headset, which means you must keep it connected to your computer using a cable. This may seem limiting, but it ensures you’ll have zero latency (lag) when speaking to allies or listening for enemies. You can also plug the headset into a PlayStation 4, Xbox One, Xbox Series S/X, mobile devices, or a VR headset.
If you’ve been using a pair of average Bluetooth headphones during online matches, HyperX’s Cloud Revolver is the first upgrade to make to your PC Gaming setup.
Buy HyperX Cloud Revolver $148.92
Editor’s picks
2. An Ergonomic Chair
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Long gaming sessions lead to serious back pain if you don’t have the right chair.
Andaseat’s Jungle has ergonomic features like a high-back design to cradle your entire body, height-adjustable arm rests, a headset pillow, and a lumbar pillow. We’ve gotten a chance to try the chair out for ourselves, and it’s a definite improvement over using an office chair. The ability to move the lumbar pillow up or down to accommodate the length of your back.
The chair can be tilted back from 90 to 160 degrees, so you can stretch out, or find a comfortable position. Its roller wheels also allow you to easily adjust your positioning with your desk to find the sweet spot. The wheels roll smoothly, but they’re not too sensitive; you won’t accidentally roll yourself around if you stretch.
Hunching over for hours each day can lead to serious back problems over time, so upgrading your seat can help improve your game and your health.
Buy Andaseat Jungle Ergonomic Gaming Chair
3. A Set Of Stereo Speakers
If you prefer speakers to headsets, Edifier’s R1280DBs are one of the best set of mid-sized bookshelf speakers you can get right now.
The stereo system is made up of two 17-inch powered speakers with a two-driver system comprised of a 4-inch bass driver and .75-inch tweeter. There’re bass and treble knobs on the right speaker, so you can tune it to sound just right. Pumping up the bass can make explosions in a first person shooter or action game sound big, for example.
The speakers can be connected to your computer with a cable, but they also support Bluetooth, so you can wirelessly stream music to them through a phone or tablet if you prefer. Volume controls are available on the right speaker for easy access if you need to make changes in the middle of your game.
Video games are a visual medium, but the R1280DBs will help you enjoy the soundtrack and ambient noises that make the world you’re playing in feel more alive.
Buy Edifier R1280DBs $159.99
4. A High-Resolution Monitor
There’s no better way to appreciate a game’s graphics than on a high-resolution monitor.
This 28-inch 4K monitor from BenQ was built specifically with gamers in mind. It has two HDMI ports and a DisplayPort, so you can hook up your gaming PC and game consoles to it at the same time.
The EL2870U supports HDR (high dynamic range), a video technology that makes colors look more lifelike, and AMD’s FreeSync, which reduces screen tearing and other visual glitches that can distract you while playing.
Most importantly, it has a 1ms (millisecond) response time, which reduces the amount of lag between what’s going on in the game, and what you’re doing. This level of precision isn’t necessary for everyday tasks, but makes a big difference when you’re playing games.
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Finally, the EL2870U uses ambient light sensors to automatically adjust the monitor’s color temperature to make it easy to play games or use your computer at night.
Buy BenQ EL2870U 28 inch HDR 4K Gaming…
5. An Full Sized, Backlit Keyboard
Razer’s Ornata Wired Keyboard was designed to help make PC gaming more comfortable, and more fun.
The Ornata has a large, cushioned wrist rest, and mid-height keys with a mecha-membrane that makes them softer to press. Both of these features make the Ornata a lot easier on your hands. The wrist rest is detachable, so you can easily remove it if it’s interfering with your performance.
Each of the Ornata’s keys are individually lit, and you can program the keyboard’s backlights to one solid color, or a rainbow through Razer’s PC app. The Ornata supports 16.8 million colors, and you can even program the colors to change as you play your game.
Buy Razer Ornata Chroma Gaming Keyboard $49.85
6. An Ergonomic, RGB Gaming Mouse
Logitech’s G502 is a high performance gaming mouse that perfectly complements an RBG keyboard.
The wired mouse uses a 25,600DPI (dots per inch) optical sensor to track your movements with pinpoint precision, and uses spring loaded mechanical switches to ensure each click you make is instantly recognized by the game. The G502 has 11 programmable buttons, and allows you to set five different “profiles” or button configurations, so you can switch between different setups for your most-played games.
Fast paced games require precise mouse movements, which is why Logitech includes five 3.6 gram weights that you can insert into a slot at the bottom of the G502. You can literally change the weight of the mouse to help improve your accuracy. The G502 has a few LEDs on the top and sides, which can be programmed to one of 16.8 million colors, so you’ll be able to match the look of your RGB keyboard.
Logitech even took great care in designing the outer shell of the G502, which has a thumb rest on the side, so you can hold the mouse more comfortably while reducing resistance. The textured rubber grips on both sides will prevent your hands from slipping.
Buy Logitech G502 Hero High Performance… $29.99
7. A Bluetooth Gaming Controller
Most PC gamers swear by using a keyboard and mouse, but if you prefer to play with a controller, you can use Microsoft’s Xbox Core Controller instead.
The controller has a standard layout with two analog sticks, four face buttons, four triggers, and a directional pad. This setup allows the Core Controller to be used with just about any game. We love the overall performance of Microsoft’s controller, but the directional pad is a little less responsive than we’d like.
You can pair this controller to your computer wirelessly using Bluetooth, which means you won’t have to worry about losing a USB dongle. It can last up to 30 hours per charge on a pair of rechargeable AAs or a rechargeable battery (sold separately). There are many great Bluetooth gaming controllers out there, but Xbox’s Core Controller offers the best performance and most comfort.
Buy Xbox Series X|S Controller $59.99
8. A 4K Webcam
If you plan on streaming your gameplay to YouTube Live, Twitch, or Facebook, you’re going to need a webcam.
Your best option right now is Logitech’s Brio webcam, which allows you to stream 4K video with ease. We recommend using a USB microphone for the best sound, but this webcam’s stereo mics will work in a pinch, too.
This webcam is designed to sit on top of your monitor or laptop lid, and can be tilted up or down, so you can get the right angle. The webcam is compatible with both PCs and Macs, and can be used with any major streaming app. While we’re recommending Logitech’s webcam as a gaming accessory, it can also be used for videoconferencing during remote learning or work.
Buy Logitech Brio $132.78
9. Customizable Smart Lighting
You can take the lighting in your gaming up a notch by getting a set of Philips Hue Play Smart Lights.
The 10 x 1.7 x 1.4-inch light bars can be set to one of 16.8 million colors, and attached under your desk, behind your monitor, or above your monitor with included mounting gear.
The color of the lights can be adjusted within Philips’ Hue app on your smartphone (iOS and Android), and synced up to work with other Philips Hue smart lights, which gives you the ability to create a unique gaming environment in your room.
The Hue Play Smart Lights do come with a couple of restrictions. First, you’ll need to have a Philips Hue Smart Hub connected to your WiFi router in order to use them. Second, they do need to be plugged into an outlet at all times; there’s no way to run these lights via battery power.
These are minor speed bumps, though, and are well worth the customization power these lights offer.
Buy Philips Hue Play White & Color Smart… $108.40
10. A Set of Fast Mesh WiFi Routers
Playing PC games online requires a really strong internet connection. Even a momentary drop in speed can give your competition the advantage.
Ideally you’d have your computer directly connected to your WiFi router via Ethernet, but that might not be possible depending on your living situation, and where wires were placed in your house.
If you need to rely on WiFi, I recommend getting a set of three eero mesh WiFi routers. One of them has to be connected to your cable modem, but the other two can be placed anywhere in your house.
The three routers will connect to one another, and create a strong, consistent connection throughout your entire place. This set of eero routers is designed for homes up to 5,000 square feet, but you can add additional routers, or jump up to eero’s Pro line, if you live in a bigger place.
Buy Amazon eero Mesh WiFi Routers $169.00
11. Blue Light Reduction Glasses
One of the dangers of playing games for multiple hours a day is overexposure to blue light, which some scientific reports say can screw up your sleep schedule by tricking your brain into thinking it’s daytime.
The best way to reduce your exposure to blue light (besides limiting your screen time) is using a pair of specially designed glasses. This unisex pair from Aomaste features UV protection, and can filter out 90% of blue light before it reaches your eyes by using lenses with a slightly amber tint. Aomaste says the glasses have strong hinges, comfortable nose pads, and a curved temple to ensure they’re comfortable to wear for hours at a time. These materials are non-toxic, too.
Having tried blue light reduction glasses for ourselves, we highly recommend them to anyone who spends most of their day looking at a screen. We’ve definitely noticed a reduction in eye strain at the end of the day whether we were playing games or not.
Buy Aomaste Blue Light Blocking Glasses $15.96
12. Elgato HD60 S+
If you plan on streaming games online, you’ll need a way to get footage from your console onto platforms like Twitch. Elgato’s HD60 S+ is a plug and play solution that makes that process simple.
Connect your console to the HD60+ with an HDMI cable, then plug it into your computer using the included USB cable. This device works seamlessly with streaming software like OBS, so you can get up and running quickly.
As its name suggests, the HD60+ allows you to capture and stream 1080P (full HD) footage at up to 60 frames per second. It even supports HDR (high dynamic range) video capture, so the colors of modern games will really pop.
Elgato’s HD60 S+ is the first piece of equipment you should get if you’re starting a streaming setup.
Buy Elgato HD60 S+ $159.65
13. Shure MV7
Whether you’re playing mutliplayer games with friends, or streaming a single player adventure to twice, you should invest in a good microphone.
Shure’s MV7 is a USB microphone based on the legendary SMB7. We’ve tested this microphone out for ourselves, and really liked how it sounds. You can control the mic’s gain (how loud you sound) using touch controls on the microphone itself. You can also tweak the audio coming from the microphone’s headphone jack.
You can also access these settings (and EQ controls) by using Shure’s Motiv app, which runs on both macOS and Windows. The Motiv app also lets you pick between a “near” or “far” setting based on your mic placement, which will optimize the way you sound automatically. If you’re new to recording audio, this auto mode is a good way to go.
Finally, we like the MV7 because it has an XLR input, which means you can use it as a vocal mic when playing live shows.
Buy Shure MV7 $159.65
